Academic Certificate Program in Massage Therapy

Division of Social Sciences — Curriculum Code: 6013

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Academic Certificate

Why major in Massage Therapy?

Massage therapists find their work of helping others personally satisfying and professionally rewarding. Massage involves using manual techniques and adjunctive therapies to relieve the effects of stress, ease tension, and promote health and well-being. Employment is available in a variety of settings including massage offices, medical offices, health clubs, and spas. The field is rapidly growing and many massage therapists choose to specialize in particular areas such as sports massage, Shiatsu, pregnancy massage, relaxation therapy, or on-site massage. Professional growth occurs continuously through the broadening and deepening of manual skills. A growing body of research on massage verifies its benefits. Massage therapists work in conjunction with health care professionals, making referrals as appropriate in response to clients’ needs.

If I major in Massage Therapy, can I transfer to an upper division college or university?

This major is career oriented and not designed for transfer to a baccalaureate program. Credits earned in this program can be applied toward the Associate of Science degree in Health Science at ECC. Other colleges and universities will apply most or all of the courses you have taken toward a baccalaureate program depending upon their program requrements.

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses?

Based on your placement test scores, you may be required to take developmental courses in reading, English, and/or mathematics before taking the core curriculum courses in your major. In addition, a massage session with a professional massage therapist is strongly recommended prior to taking major courses.

How long will it take for me to complete this program?

If you do not need developmental course work and you register for an average of 12 credits each semester, you can complete this academic certificate in three semesters including summer sessions.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-3250.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the history and philosophy of massage therapy, as well as a wide variety of massage therapy techniques;

Develop a positive philosophy of the business of massage therapy that is consistent with professional standards prescribed by licensing bodies and ethical standards presented by state and national professional associations;

Develop personal, positive philosophies of healthy living and self-care that are consistent with expected professional standards and are based on reflective thinking about their learning; and

Identify and discuss several career options available to a certified massage therapist.

NOTES:(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above.(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in reading, writing, and mathematics as well as other pre- and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.